Greenland & the Canadian Arctic

Canada's High Arctic and the west coast of Greenland offer some of the most dramatic glaciated landscapes on the planet. More than 35,000 islands comprise the Canadian Arctic Archipelago alone. This austere realm that surrounds Hudson Bay and Baffin Bay, encased in shifting polar pack ice and dominated by imposing peaks, is nonetheless home to abundant wildlife. Depending on your itinerary, you may encounter polar bears, whales, seals and colonies of seabirds, including whimsical puffins. Human inhabitants have also thrived here for millennia, and many Inuit continue traditional subsistence ways in a rapidly changing Arctic. Ports of call at small indigenous communities offer authentic personal encounters and insight into old and new lifestyles. Follow in the wake of legendary seafaring explorers aboard an expedition cruise to the Far North's most arresting destinations.

Trip Highlights

Search for polar bears, Arctic fox and caribou on the tundra, and at sea, look for narwhals and humpback, minke and beluga whales

Experience the icescapes of Greenland and the Canadian Arctic Archipelago—a realm of serrated peaks, vast ice fields, tidewater glaciers and floating icebergs

Follow in the wake of legendary polar explorers like Amundsen, Baffin and Franklin who searched for the Northwest Passage trade route across the Arctic

Sail with the World Leader in Conservation-Focused Small Ship Cruising

We’re proud to offer a worldwide slate of Adventure Cruises through our partner Lindblad Expeditions. Nat Hab joined forces with Lindblad in 2016 to expand our mutual collection of nature adventures. Founded in 1958 by Lars-Eric Lindblad, the company pioneered eco-conscious expeditions for “citizen explorers" and today is the world leader in conservation-focused small-ship cruises. Our Adventure Specialists are intimately familiar with the ships and itineraries and are on call to answer any questions you might have.

Sail with the World's Best Polar Expedition Team
With 30+ years of expedition history in the Arctic, Lindblad's seasoned polar mariners have such vast experience that they have made their own soundings and maps of areas that otherwise simply aren’t well-charted. That means you get to visit lesser-known places. Every expedition sails with a veteran Expedition Leader, an assistant Expedition Leader, and a team of eight naturalists with specialties including zoology, biology, ornithology, geology, polar history and more. You'll also travel with an undersea specialist, a National Geographic photographer, a Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor, a Global Perspectives guest speaker, a video chronicler and a wellness specialist.

Tap the Amenities of the Ultimate Expedition Ship
A state-of-the-art, fully stabilized, ice-class vessel with an Ice-1A rating on the hull, National Geographic Explorer has unmatched tools for exploration in safety and comfort. A fleet of Zodiacs offers opportunities to scrutinize coastlines (and wildlife!) up close. And as pioneers of kayaking in the polar regions, Lindblad has devised a safe and exhilarating operation that allows you to enjoy freedom and solitude in the stunning Arctic scenery.

Get a Unique Perspective on the Undersea World
Each expedition voyage includes an undersea specialist who dives in the polar waters, captures video footage in vivid HD and shows it on plasma screens in the ship’s lounge so you can explore the virtually unknown world beneath the Arctic ocean without ever dipping a toe in the icy water. In addition, the ship’s remotely operated vehicle (ROV) can explore and film at depths up to 1,000 feet, where no diver can go.

Witness a Rapidly Changing Environment
See first-hand what's at stake for wildlife and people on a warming planet. On visits to traditional Inuit fishing villages and former whaling ports, learn about the deep connection of the Inuit people to these frozen lands, sustained by abundant resources that are at risk in a changing climate. As you survey the dramatic history of exploration at the eastern entrance of Canada’s fabled Northwest Passage, you'll encounter the changing ice conditions that are currently the topic of much scientific discussion.

Gain New Insight via the Global Perspectives Program
The Global Perspectives program, featured exclusively on National Geographic Explorer expeditions, brings interesting and engaging guest speakers aboard to add insight gleaned from their unique experiences. As full members of the expedition community, they go exploring with our staff and guests and provide perspectives that enhance your overall experience.

Locally Sourced Food Enhances Creative Menus
While many food supplies must inevitably be brought to the Arctic from far afield, Lindblad does all it can to further sustainable sources and give guests a taste of local flavor in the ship's varied cuisine, including sustainably caught fish from local waters.

Shoot Your Best Images Alongside a National Geographic Photographer
The Arctic provides stunning photo opportunities of vast landscapes and wildlife. But polar conditions also create unusual challenges, whether you’re a pro photographer or just looking to better-wield your point-and-shoot. Enjoy the advantages of traveling with top photo professionals, including a National Geographic photographer and Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor, on hand to help you get the best shots of your life. These photo experts offer on-board presentations, slideshows and laptop gallery events, as well as one-to-one critiques.

We’re Committed to the Planet
Natural Habitat Adventures is a standard-setter in eco-conscious travel. We were the world’s first 100-percent carbon-neutral travel company. And we continue to break innovative ground in adopting practices that help to protect our global environment. Because of our concern for the environment, we are pleased to partner with Lindblad Expeditions for our Adventure Cruises, a company that shares our values and commitment to the planet.

Natural Habitat Adventures is WWF's Travel Partner
Because of our environmental commitment and the outstanding quality of our adventures, World Wildlife Fund has chosen Natural Habitat Adventures as its worldwide travel partner, a designation we’re very proud of! When you book your Lindblad Expeditions cruise with us, a portion of your trip fee supports WWF.

Other Trips You May Enjoy

Small-group expedition voyages in the European Arctic: Varied itineraries explore a frozen wilderness of glaciers and icebergs, home to polar bear, walrus, whales and myriad seabirds. (Itineraries vary)7–17 Days / May – Jul, From $9130